The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a successful team the last few years but they are losing one of their most significant and underappreciated players as he announced his retirement Friday afternoon. Center Ryan Jensen posted on his Instagram account that he was announcing his retirement.
“With any chapter in the book of life, there is always an ending. The NFL chapter of my life is coming to a close. As this chapter closes and I reflect on every aspect of my career, it makes me proud. In the hard times and good, there is always something special to learn. Retiring from the game you have loved from a very young age is always hard. I am excited for this next chapter and the new opportunities and challenges it will bring.”
Ryan Jensen was drafted in the sixth round (203rd overall) in the 2013 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He would play there for four seasons before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2017 season. Jensen would play five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including winning Super Bowl LV and being named a Pro Bowl center in 2021.
Congratulations are definitely in order for Ryan Jensen and his family. It will be interesting to see if he joins a coaching staff down the line and remains part of the NFL.
Who can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have play center in 2024?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a few situations they need to address in the next couple of months. They have quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans both unrestricted free agents and now have a hole at the center position. Robert Hainsey is officially listed as the backup center on the Bucs depth chart and he could be the next center for the team.
The draft is also another option of what the team can do to address the recent void at the position. With players like Jackson Powers-Johnson, Zach Frazier and Sedrick Van Pran all in the draft pool, that could be a route they go in Day 2.
The free agency market is expected to have some centers available as well. Jason Kelce, Connor Williams, Andre James and Aaron Brewer are the top free agents at the position and could be possible replacements for Ryan Jensen as well.
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